Show summary Hide summary
Alicia Menendez is getting her own daytime show on MS NOW, leaving her co-host role on the network’s primetime program. The 42-year-old journalist will anchor from noon to 2 p.m. ET weekdays, starting in June. The sweeping lineup shakeup marks the first major overhaul since MS NOW’s rebrand.
🔥 Quick Facts
- New Role: Solo anchor of daytime slot from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET beginning June 2026
- Departure: Leaving The Weeknight, where she co-hosted with Symone Sanders Townsend and Michael Steele
- Replacement: Luke Russert, 40, joins The Weeknight as new co-host alongside Sanders and Steele
- Network Focus: Daytime programming has lagged 47 percent behind MS NOW’s primetime hours
Menendez’s Rise in Cable News Ranks
Alicia Menendez has become a rising star at the network through her engaging hosting style and substantive reporting. Born July 2, 1983 in Union City, New Jersey, she brings years of broadcast experience to her new solo role. Her career spans work at HuffPost Live, Fusion TV, and PBS Amanpour & Company, where she established herself as a sharp political commentator.
Network executives have warmed to her energy and interviewing skills, with bosses occasionally tapping her to fill in for veteran host Nicolle Wallace. Her warm on-air presence and ability to connect with viewers made her a standout choice for the expanded daytime responsibilities.
Alicia Menendez gets own daytime show at MS NOW, leaving Weeknight role
Tom Holland Spider-Man movies get official trailer, Brand New Day releases July 31
The Weeknight’s Strong Momentum Continues
The Weeknight has been a ratings success since its 2024 launch, with the three-host model proving effective for MS NOW’s audience. The show posted a 30 percent jump in total viewers and 46 percent increase in the key 25-54 demographic compared to its predecessor, The ReidOut. Luke Russert, the 40-year-old son of legendary Meet the Press moderator Tim Russert, brings political pedigree to the role.
| Daytime Lineup Starting June 2026 | Host and Time Slot |
| Morning Show (9-11 a.m. ET) | Stephanie Ruhle |
| Midday (12-2 p.m. ET) | Alicia Menendez (New) |
| Afternoon (2-4 p.m. ET) | Katy Tur |
| Evening (4-6 p.m. ET) | Nicolle Wallace |
“Alicia, who is currently part of the hosting trio, will get her own show from 12 to 2pm every day.”
— The Guardian, March 18, 2026
MS NOW’s Strategic Daytime Overhaul Under Rebecca Kutler
Rebecca Kutler, the network’s president, is spearheading the programming changes aimed at strengthening MS NOW’s weakest daypart. Daytime viewership has consistently underperformed, drawing 47 percent fewer viewers than the network’s competitive primetime lineup. The executive team sees the 2026 midterm elections and 2028 presidential race as critical moments to build daytime audiences.
Kutler issued a memo to staff assuring employees that comparable opportunities would be available as changes unfold. She emphasized that MS NOW would gain staff overall by year’s end, signaling the network’s confidence in these programming pivots during a transformative period for cable news.
What’s Behind the Media Reshuffle in 2026?
These changes reflect the broader upheaval facing MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC until its November 2025 rebrand. Parent company Comcast spun off cable assets into Versant Media Group, formally separating the news outlet from NBC News and NBCUniversal. This independence has forced executives to reimagine programming strategies and build competitive advantages.
Other significant moves include Ali Velshi stepping up to host The 11th Hour and Morning Joe returning to three hours after expanding to four. Ana Cabrera, who anchored mornings for MS NOW, is departing the network. Chris Jansing, who previously anchored at 1 p.m., transitions to chief political reporter, handling important election coverage ahead.
